Posted July 24, 2010
NDP Leader Dwain Lingenfelter continued to urge the Wall government to disperse disaster assistance funds to those affected by severe weather and flooding as quickly as possible. After touring areas of North Battleford today hard-hit by recent rain and hail and meeting with Mayor Ian Hamilton, Lingenfelter - along with Battlefords MLA Len Taylor - said the need for immediate assistance couldn't be more urgent.
"We met with the mayor and families and businesses in North Battleford today
who are telling us that disaster assistance money is needed now and that there
should be no delay in getting these funds into the hands of people who need
it," Lingenfelter said. "We are calling on the Wall government to ensure that
residents of North Battleford are treated fairly and with a sense of urgency
equal to the devastation the recent weather has brought."
Lingenfelter noted that most home and business insurance does not cover losses
incurred by flooding or seepage and that provincial disaster relief is, in most
cases, the only option for those attempting to repair or rebuild their damaged
property and belongings.
"Local leaders and community-based organizations are on the ground all across
Saskatchewan - from Yorkton to Maple Creek to Saskatoon and all areas in
between - but they cannot do it alone," Lingenfelter said. "The resilience and
determination of Saskatchewan people is always strong but requires that their
government step up to the plate and assist their tireless efforts immediately."